Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the growing strands, hair can offer a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake. When collected near the scalp, it can potentially offer a detection window of about three months for these substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation procedures. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, around 150mg of sample is advisable. It's beneficial to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The entire sequence involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory's system. This task includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use across most samples, results from a positive Screening need further confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Upon a presumptively positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are separated from the hair sample at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing comparatively challenging to administer.
Positive results from the Screening process undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS analyses. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation, based on necessity. The full lab procedure ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The commonly termed "hair follicle tests" actually assess the hair strand itself, rather than the hair follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Waterford, VT: The unparalleled advantage of hair follicle tests lies in their accuracy and reliability, far exceeding traditional urine testing methods. With a broad detection window and reduced risk of tampering, hair testing provides a more trustworthy overview of an individual's drug use history, strengthening your workplace policies.
Extended Detection Period in Waterford, VT provides employers with a comprehensive view through hair follicle tests. These tests offer up to a 90-day detection window, surpassing the limited scope of traditional urine tests. Employers gain a detailed perspective of an individual's substance use history, vital for making informed employment decisions.
Reducing Tampering with Hair Tests in Waterford, VT: Hair follicle testing is designed to significantly limit sample adulteration. By utilizing hair samples collected under observation, these tests ensure that results remain credible and unquestionable, providing a reliable method for substance use detection that is hard to manipulate.
Convenient Testing Facilities Nationwide, including local spots in Waterford, VT. Our expansive network of centers ensures hassle-free and quick access to vital testing services, making it easy for businesses and individuals to fulfill their testing needs without undue delay, underpinning prompt and efficient services.
Effortless and Confidential Process in Waterford, VT: Our hair follicle testing service stands out for its simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy, catering to individuals' concerns for discreet and straightforward procedures that don’t compromise integrity.
Cost-Effective and Quick Results in Waterford, VT: Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses of any size. With budget-friendly solutions and efficient processing, companies gain peace of mind knowing they receive quality service without financial burdens.
Precision and Speed in Waterford, VT make hair follicle drug tests a superior choice. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable results. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances quickly places them at the forefront of drug testing solutions. Employers can trust the integrity of results delivered swiftly, aiding in quick decision-making processes.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waterford, VT: With hair follicle testing, businesses can confidently align with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, offering a secure work environment conducive to both productivity and employee well-being.
